Ark. Senate passes measure to ban most abortions

(AP) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas Senate has voted to ban abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected, a move that would prohibit the procedure as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

By a 26-8 vote, the Senate approved legislation that would require a test to detect a fetal heartbeat before an abortion is performed. If one is detected, a woman could not have an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest and if a mother’s life is in danger.

Similar legislation is also being considered in North Dakota and Mississippi.

The measure now heads to the House. Opponents have warned that they believe the measure is unconstitutional and have vowed to sue the state if it becomes law.